Hungary
Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe. Its capital, Budapest, is split in two by the Danube River. Its cityscape is studded with architectural landmarks from Buda’s medieval Castle Hill and grand buildings along Pest’s Andrássy Avenue to the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Turkish and Roman influence on Hungarian culture includes the popularity of mineral spa’s, including the world famous Szechenyi & Gellért Thermal Spa Baths.
WW2 was an extremely tough time for Hungary, and after WW2 Budapest lay in ruins. Thousands of structures were destroyed or damaged. Most of the city you see today has been rebuilt from the ground up.
When people think of Hungary they think of Budapest, but Hungary is much more! It’s a country home to a rich culture, delicious food, beautiful scenery.
Best Time To Visit
Hungary is stunning all year round.
Spring and fall (April / October) are the best times to visit. The weather can be beautiful but can also be quite wet, with average temperatures around 10-11°c (50°f). Prices tend to be lower, and you won’t have fellow travellers getting in your way. Both seasons are a great time to visit spots like Budapest, which can be overcrowded during the summer months.
Summer in Hungary is not overly warm, with average temperatures around 21°c (70°f). It’s the peak season with warmer and dryer weather. You can expect higher prices, larger crowds, and fully booked hotels. Make sure you book everything in advance!
Winter can be bitterly cold from December to March and many attractions, including accommodation in smaller towns, will be closed. Average temperatures will be around -1°c (30°f) If you’re trying to visit Hungary on a budget, this is the perfect time. You can visit the Christmas markets from November to December.
For a month by month look, click here
What To Expect
Capital: Budapest
Language: Hungarian is the official language of Hungary and is spoken by the majority of the country’s population. Several minority languages like Russian, Romanian, Croatian, Serbian, Slovak, Ukrainian, etc., are spoken by the minority communities of the country. “Hello” and “Thank you” in Hungarian is, “Helló” and “köszönöm”.
Currency: The official currency of Hungary is the Hungarian forint (HUF). £1 GBP is 413.99 HUF and 1 USD is equivalent to 300.08 HUF.. Check the latest rates here
Credit Cards & ATMs: Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards in Hungary. Hungary doesn’t charge fees for using credit cards or debit cards. They’ll only charge within 1% of the interbank exchange rate. The fees you can expect come from your bank. A lot of places will also accept contactless payments via Apple Pay or Google pay. It’s always best to have some cash on you.
Plugs: In Hungary there are two associated plug types, types C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Hungary operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.. I recommend buying a universal adapter
Safety: Hungary is, generally, a very safe country. However, there is a considerable rate of petty crime, particularly in Budapest. The most common form of a crime you’ll probably encounter is pickpocketing or bag snatching. Just be aware of your bags etc
Random useful tip: Visit Ruin Pubs of Budapest! Ruin bars in Budapest have a unique vibe. From funky to garden party, enjoy yourself at Szimpla kert, Koleves kert, and more ruin pubs. Picture below.
Travel Guides
Below you will find guides on places in Hungary, reasons to visit Hungary, and how to travel Hungary on a budget.
Search for your Perfect Hotel
Find the Cheapest Flights
Book Tours and Purchase Tickets
Our Favourite Experiences
Check out our favourite experiences in Hungary that should be on your list!
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Hungary
One of Europe’s largest public baths, the Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest, is a splendid relic of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Built in 1913, its neo-baroque architecture, sprawling pools, and rejuvenating mineral-rich waters offer a unique blend of history and relaxation. With both outdoor and indoor pools, visitors can choose from a range of temperatures and experiences. The baths are especially enchanting in the evening, as the steam rises under the starry Budapest sky, creating an ethereal atmosphere that truly embodies the essence of Hungarian leisure.
Connecting Buda and Pest, the two cities that united to form Hungary’s capital, the Chain Bridge stands as a symbol of Hungarian resilience and unity. Opened in 1849, it was Budapest’s first permanent bridge across the Danube and played a pivotal role in the city’s development. A walk across the bridge provides panoramic views of the river, the grand Hungarian Parliament Building, and the Buda Castle. At night, when illuminated, the bridge becomes a beacon, reflecting beautifully in the Danube’s waters.
Perched atop Castle Hill, the Buda Castle dominates Budapest’s skyline with its historical grandeur. Originally built in the 13th century, the castle has undergone numerous reconstructions, bearing witness to the various epochs of Hungary’s past. Today, it houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Surrounding the castle, the Castle District is a maze of medieval, baroque, and 19th-century houses, churches, and squares. Don’t miss the Fisherman’s Bastion, with its neo-Gothic towers offering sweeping views of the city.
The Puszta, or the Great Hungarian Plain, is a vast expanse of flatland that offers a unique glimpse into traditional Hungarian life. Characterised by its sweeping grasslands and traditional T-shaped farmhouses, it’s a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. A visit often includes a horse show, demonstrating the remarkable skills of local “csikós” (cowboys), a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, and a hearty Hungarian meal accompanied by folk music.
Eger, nestled in the northern part of Hungary, is renowned for its wines, particularly the robust red “Bull’s Blood” (Egri Bikavér). The town itself is rich in baroque architecture, with the Eger Castle and the Lyceum being standout attractions. However, it’s the labyrinthine wine cellars, carved out of the town’s soft volcanic tuff, that truly beckon. These cellars, found in the Valley of the Beautiful Women, offer wine enthusiasts a chance to sample some of Hungary’s finest wines in a unique setting. As you sip, let the history, culture, and flavours of Hungary weave an unforgettable tapestry of memories.
Travel Resources
Like, follow, subscribe...
*Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.